civilization Archives

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Civ 7’s massive overhaul update brings its highest Steam player count in over a year

Firaxis has released the Test of Time update for Civilization 7, described as a significant free patch that acts like an expansion. Key features include the ability to maintain the same civilization across age transitions, redefined victory conditions, and optional objectives with bonus rewards. The update has led to a surge in player engagement, with nearly 16,200 users logged into Civ 7 on Steam, the highest count in over a year. However, reactions are mixed; while some players celebrate the improvements, others feel the changes may not fully revitalize their interest, citing issues with engagement and user interface. The pricing strategy for downloadable content, particularly the Right to Rule Collection, has also sparked discussions about value. Community opinions vary, with some claiming the update has transformed the game, while others remain skeptical.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Civilization 7’s imminent update will add one of history’s most famous conquerors for free, in Firaxis’ latest bid to coax you back to its controversial sequel

On Monday, players of Civilization 7 will receive a substantial update that includes the ability to guide a single civilization throughout its campaign and introduces Alexander the Great as a free addition to the base game. Alexander brings a unique playstyle focused on warfare, providing a +2 combat strength bonus for land military units and gameplay mechanics that involve naming towns after him and unlocking bonuses through constructing wonders in cities beyond the capital. Firaxis is promoting this update as significant, although the game has received a 'Mixed' rating on Steam due to critiques of its age transition system and user experience issues. Despite this, Civilization 7 has been commercially successful for Firaxis, with CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledging its profitability while noting that the Age system may not have been well executed.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

15 PC Games That Rely More on CPU Than GPU

In competitive gaming, unique character abilities combined with a 5v5 format create innovative experiences, with high stakes in competitive shooters where low frame rates can lead to defeat, demanding on CPU resources. Baldur’s Gate 3 features an immersive storyline and expansive world, requiring a robust CPU due to its intricate physics and character interactions. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 onwards) is a CPU-intensive simulation game that offers real-time world streaming, dynamic weather, and air traffic management. GTA Online allows players to engage in a sprawling open world of crime, with complex AI interactions that demand substantial processing power. Civilization VI, while not graphically intensive, requires significant CPU load for its intricate gameplay mechanics and constant calculations. Counter-Strike 2 demands high FPS and stable frame rates, making it extremely CPU-intensive due to its tactical team-based combat. World of Warcraft is one of the most CPU-intensive MMOs, requiring significant processing power for large-scale battles and exploration. Total War: WARHAMMER III places considerable demands on CPU performance due to its real-time warfare mechanics with vast armies. Overwatch relies on steady frame rates and real-time calculations, necessitating a powerful CPU, while also depending on the GPU for optimal performance. Minecraft's resource generation and real-time world building place significant demands on the CPU across various modes. Call of Duty: Warzone requires a powerful CPU to maintain fast frame rates and execute numerous physics-related calculations on a massive map. Starfield is one of the most demanding PC games of 2023, emphasizing the need for a capable CPU to handle its complex mechanics and expansive environments.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

The Talos Principle 3 promises an ‘epic grand finale’ to the tale of humanity’s rebirth

The Talos Principle 3 has been announced, featuring a new narrative experience set in a realm called the Anomaly, where players will navigate over 12 worlds representing remnants of a civilization. The game will focus on a character-driven story exploring pivotal moments in human history, with a personal emphasis on the player's character. Familiarity with previous titles in the series is not required, but it may enhance the experience. The character Elohim will return, serving as an emotional anchor throughout the narrative. A specific release date has not been announced, but the game is available for wishlisting on Steam and is set to launch "soon."

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

20 years later, the world deserves another Sid Meier’s Railroads!

Sid Meier's Railroads!, released in 2006, is a strategy game that celebrates trains and embodies Sid Meier's game design philosophy. The game features an iconic exclamation point in its title, reflecting Meier's enthusiasm for diverse themes. Despite being "cruelly ignored upon release," it currently has 108 active players on Steam. The game allows players to navigate complex market dynamics through engaging gameplay mechanics, with AI that challenges players in single-player mode and a multiplayer experience that combines camaraderie and competition. However, it suffers from persistent routing bugs and lacks an intuitive level editor and fresh scenarios.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Valve Steam Controller Review

Valve's Steam Controller builds on insights from the Steam Deck and aims to enhance the PC gaming experience. It features an asymmetrical thumbstick layout, ergonomic design, and weighs 292 grams. The controller lacks a headphone jack but includes Grip Sense technology for gyroscope activation. Its charging system combines a 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter and magnetic charging dock, with a battery life rated at 35 hours. The controller offers extensive customization options, including dual trackpads, drift-resistant joysticks, and programmable buttons through Steam Input. It performs well across various games, although some non-Steam titles may require additional setup. The Steam Controller is designed for comfort and versatility, making it suitable for living room gaming, despite its premium price.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

Age of Empire 4’s new DLC drops today, and the Jin Dynasty is a beautifully-realized civ

Age of Empires 4's latest expansion, Yue Fei's Legacy, introduces a new campaign featuring eight missions centered on the general Yue Fei and his ally Han Shizhong, tasked with protecting the Song Dynasty's last prince from Jin forces. The campaign begins with the Jiankang Incident of 1127 and includes various challenges such as evading Jin pursuers and reclaiming territory. The expansion also adds the Jin Dynasty as a new civilization, characterized by efficient horse-mounted villagers and the elite Iron Pagoda cavalry units. The Jin Dynasty features a unique defensive mechanism called the Meng'an Mouke Emplacement, which automatically deploys defensive cavalry units when enemies approach.

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Civilization 7 has been profitable despite design missteps

Firaxis has introduced a new "Ages" system in Civilization 7, requiring players to switch civilizations twice during a campaign, which has received mixed reactions. The game's engagement on Steam is lower than that of Civilization 5 and 6, even a year after release. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Civilization 7 is still a profitable enterprise, although he acknowledged that the changes may have deviated too far from player expectations. An update is scheduled to release later this month, offering a return to a more traditional Civilization structure, which could attract players who prefer classic gameplay.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Civ 7 is getting ‘by far the most-requested addition’ later this month, but I’m more interested in whether it’ll finally feel fully baked

Firaxis announced that Civilization VII will introduce a feature allowing players to engage with a single civilization throughout an entire campaign. The upcoming Test of Time update, launching on May 19, will be a comprehensive, free overhaul based on player feedback. Key features include the introduction of "time-tested Civs," allowing players to maintain their civilization across ages, a revamped victory system with dynamic conditions, optional side objectives for various playstyles, updated map generation techniques, user interface improvements, balance changes, and a complimentary leader for all players.

AppWizard

May 5, 2026

Multiplayer kaiju action game BeastLink announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Grove Street Games has announced BeastLink, a multiplayer kaiju action game for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam), with an Early Access release planned for this summer and a closed beta test for PC users starting on May 8. The game features a narrative where humanity survives in fortified strongholds while colossal creatures roam desolate landscapes. Players can engage in battles as humans or Beasts, utilizing vehicles and the game’s “SuperDestruction” technology to create chaos in destructible cities. Key features include collecting serum to form BeastLinks, team-based warfare, a physics-based destruction system, multiplayer gameplay for up to 32 players, and a diverse roster of Beasts with unique abilities.